Are you new in or planning a move to live in France as an expat? Here's some helpful advice from an expat who's been through it herself...
27 October 2016
| Last updated on 19 December 2017
Before going to live in a new country we try to prepare ourselves for the best. We fill our suitcases with things we will not need. We try to understand the local culture through websites and books while preparing ourselves...
But ultimately we cannot control anything. We only begin to understand what the country truly is like to live in once we're there. But after a few days, months and years spent there, you will no doubt make the culture your own!
It was the same for me when moving to and new in France. Before going there I did some mistakes that I would like to share it with you, to help you better prepared for moving and settling into your new expat country.
1. Take into account the difference in terms of living standards between your country and France
It is a very important point. France is a developed country, and everything can be expensive there. Before moving here, you have to take into account that your savings can melt quickly. So if you don't have a lot of money in your account before going to France, you have to be ready to find a job quickly.
SEE ALSO: 10 castles you have to visit while living in France
By being ready I mean, already have a CV in French ready to share, and have some planned interviews ready before moving here. You should train yourself in order to be ready for those interviews… But do not be worried. Contrary to what you may think, if you are a student or young worker; it is possible to find a job. I am the living proof!
2. Find housing before coming to France
Depending on the city you want to stay in this can take time. Paris will probably be the worst city to find accommodation. So I can give you two pieces of advice...
Plan A: Before going to France, try to find a place to live by using the Internet. Look at websites for people who post ads for a flat or a house and ensure that they are ranked by Internet users. You can know if they are serious or not. Landlords are probably going to ask you for one or two months rent in advance. If they ask you for more, run! You can also contact a real estate agency and they will plan apartment visits for you.
Plan B is to find something cheap. Looking at the online marketplace and homestay network is a good way to find something decent and at good value for your money.
3. To pass the driving license in your own country (if your country's driving license is accepted in France)
The driving license in France is divided into two themes; the theory one and the practice one. Like in other countries actually!
But in France the theory is very difficult. Even for French people. A lot of them have to pass it a few times in order to be accepted. The practice is not so complicated but it also depends on the city in which you live. For example, in “Paris” during the city's peak hours it’s horrible and stressful. But nothing insurmountable, I passed it two times and now I have my French driving license.
You might also be interested in:
- Find a charity or support group to volunteer for in France
- New to France? Here's some great meet-ups to attend
- A big list of internation schools in France for your kids
4. Take appointment with the French institution before you get there
As an ExpatWoman who wants to live in France, you have to do a lot of paperwork to live in a legal framework. And it will be mandatory to fill some documents in the “French prefecture” or at the city town hall. If you want to make it quick, book your appointment before going to France. Because the French administration is very slow and if you want peace of mind it is the best way to act. Another piece of advice is be prepared for this appointment. Check all the documents they are asking for. It would be a shame to get to these appointments without all the documents
5. Make sure you have all official documents in multiple copy
France is probably the most administrative country in the world. Every administration and service will no doubt ask you for a document, and another one will ask you for the same. So be ready to have multiple copies of your most important documents. And believe me it will make your life easier if you lose one of them.
6. Know the days not worked in France
Before getting to France you have to check on the Internet the French Bank Holidays... Actually there are a lot. This is a good thing because it means you will have lots of days off and free time. But it also means that you have to be prepared for those days off.
If your fridge is empty, you will be very upset to find nothing open! And a last point, almost every shop is closed on Sunday. Except for a few exceptions, it is forbidden to work on Sunday in France!
SEE ALSO: A list of country embassies in France
7. French people only speak french
It takes some time to be fluent in a foreign language, and there's no denying It takes time to be fluent in French. You have to know that foreign languages are not French quality. Even with English.
In order to be prepared, try to rehearse key sentences before getting to France. Find out what sentences are the most common in your language and translate it in French. Some people say that it takes 3000 words to speak a language. It only represents 10 words by days. I am sure you can do it!
8. Do not give tips to waiters in France
In lots of countries waiters are paid for a part by their tips. But not in France! In France there is a minimum earning that your company have to pay you. It is called “Le SMIC”. It is mandatory. Of course you can give a tip for a waiter if you think he deserves it and if he provides you a good service. But it is not common.
9. Mixing up "Tu" et "Vous", which is a huge mistake
In France there is a formal mode which is called “Vouvoiement”. It is used when you meet someone for the first time and to show some respect for a person. So it is really important to don’t use the “Tutoiement” instead.
For example if you have a job interview do not use the word “Tu”, it will be understood as a kind of disrespect by the person in front of you. But don’t worry after few days I’ll get used of it!
10. Don't think you could do everything by yourself, without any help
Even if you like the adventure of being an ExpatWoman, it's not always so easy. You will do some mistakes; you will go through hard times. But don’t give up! You’ll realise that struggling with a difficulty on your own makes things bigger. People will give you a hand, do not hesitate to grab it.
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Are you an expat in France? Do you have any advice to share? Feel free to let us know via social media and tag us using #ExpatWoman!
About the Author
My name is Irina, I live in France since 9 years. I have a blog called Foreigner in France and I am a writer. At first I was only there to finish my study. But after two degrees there I obtain the French nationality and I choose to stay there! Now I am a young mother of a “Franco-Moldave” sweet little guy! It could be difficult to be an Expatwoman. France is probably the most administrative country in the world. In order to help people with all this paper work I decided make life simple to newcomer by giving them some help with my blog. I hope it would make life easier for foreigners who want to stay in France.
